Former Texas RB Jaydon Blue Impresses at Cowboys Training Camp
The storylines at the Dallas Cowboys’ training camp this year are abundant—quarterback chemistry, defensive depth, rookie standouts—but one of the most surprising and encouraging developments comes from an undrafted free agent out of the University of Texas. Former Longhorns running back Jaydon Blue, a player once overshadowed by bigger names in college, is now seizing every opportunity to make his mark with America’s Team.
Jaydon Blue arrived in Oxnard, California for his first NFL training camp as a longshot. With star backs like Tony Pollard gone in free agency and a backfield filled with veterans and young hopefuls, few outside of Austin believed the former Texas standout would be much more than a camp body. But after the first full week of camp, Blue has not only turned heads—he’s forcing conversations.
From his first reps in pads, Blue showcased the same vision and burst that once made him one of the most electrifying prep backs in the country. He has consistently impressed the Cowboys coaching staff with his decisive cuts, quick acceleration, and, most notably, his maturity in pass protection—a critical skill often overlooked in rookies but vital for NFL viability.
Running backs coach Jeff Blasko didn’t mince words when asked about Blue’s early performance.
“Jaydon’s been one of the most consistent guys in that room,” Blasko said. “He understands the playbook, he finishes every run, and he’s not afraid to lower his shoulder. For a young guy, that’s exactly what you want to see.”
That consistency has earned Blue additional reps with the second-team offense, and in Saturday’s intrasquad scrimmage, he made the most of it. Taking a handoff from backup quarterback Cooper Rush, Blue sliced through the left side of the line, eluded a linebacker with a quick jump cut, and exploded for a 29-yard gain before being pushed out of bounds. It was a run that silenced the crowd for a moment—and then erupted in cheers.
But Blue’s skillset isn’t just about making splash plays. What’s separating him from others in the competition is his all-around game. His ability to catch passes out of the backfield, line up in motion, and serve as a reliable third-down option has added a new dimension to his profile.
Cowboys offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer acknowledged that versatility in a post-practice interview.
“What stands out with Jaydon is how comfortable he is in space,” Schottenheimer said. “You don’t have to spoon-feed him. He’s smart, he picks up protections, and he’s a real threat when he gets the ball in the open field.”
Blue’s ascent is especially significant when considering the uncertainty surrounding the Cowboys’ backfield. The team opted not to re-sign Pollard, and though they brought back Ezekiel Elliott, who returns with leadership and short-yardage reliability, the need for explosive young legs remains urgent. Rico Dowdle and Deuce Vaughn are both vying for bigger roles, but neither has yet cemented themselves as the clear No. 2.
That opens the door wide for Blue, who continues to capitalize on every rep. His performance isn’t just about stats; it’s about presence. He’s looked comfortable in blitz pickup drills, engaged during meetings, and poised in media sessions. For a player who wasn’t invited to the NFL Combine and had to earn his invite to rookie minicamp, that composure is earning respect.
Blue’s path to this moment has not been a straight line. At Klein Cain High School in Houston, he was once considered a top national recruit, even ranked as the No. 1 running back in the country for his class before his senior year. But his decision to sit out that senior season to preserve his body—a choice that stirred controversy—led to questions about his commitment.
When he arrived at Texas, he joined a crowded backfield that included Bijan Robinson and Roschon Johnson, two future NFL backs. Playing time was hard to come by. But Blue never complained. He worked, waited, and when his moment came in his junior season, he delivered. Despite splitting touches, he totaled nearly 700 yards from scrimmage and six touchdowns, flashing the breakaway speed and patient footwork that had once made him such a coveted prospect.
In many ways, Blue’s current moment with the Cowboys is a continuation of that patient approach. He didn’t storm into the league with a first-round contract or media fanfare. He showed up. He put his head down. And now, he’s emerging.
Teammates have taken notice, too. Quarterback Dak Prescott gave Blue a shout-out after a recent practice, noting,
“He’s explosive, man. You give him a crease, and he’s gone. And he listens. That’s big—he’s soaking everything in.”
Veteran offensive lineman Zack Martin echoed the sentiment, pointing out Blue’s vision and timing behind the line:
“He doesn’t panic when things close up. That’s rare for a young back.”
Still, for all the optimism, Blue knows his journey is far from over. The preseason games will ultimately determine his fate. Those live reps—against real NFL defenses—will test his ability to hold onto the ball, convert tough third downs, and contribute on special teams. Blue is expected to return kicks during the preseason opener, a role that could become his golden ticket onto the 53-man roster.
Special teams coordinator John Fassel has already expressed interest in using Blue in various roles.
“He’s got good field vision and the ability to accelerate through contact. That’s exactly what we need in a return man,” Fassel said.
If Blue can shine in those scenarios, his case becomes even stronger. Not only does he offer backfield depth and offensive flexibility, but he can contribute immediately in the return game—an area where the Cowboys struggled at times last season.
But beyond his physical tools, it’s Blue’s mindset that could be his greatest asset. In an interview after a recent practice, he spoke about the opportunity with humility and determination:
“I’m grateful to be here. Every day I put on this jersey is a blessing. I’ve been working for this since I was a kid. I just want to show the coaches I belong.”
That attitude resonates within a locker room filled with veterans who understand how fleeting NFL opportunities can be. For undrafted players like Blue, the window is small. But the impact can be huge.
As the Cowboys inch closer to their first preseason game, all eyes will be on players fighting to make the roster—and Jaydon Blue is quickly becoming one of the most compelling stories. If he continues to impress, the Dallas backfield could look a lot different by Week 1 than many projected.
For now, Blue remains focused. No distractions, no hype. Just football. And if the first week of camp is any indication, he’s not just trying to survive in the NFL—he’s starting to thrive.
With a name that’s already beginning to echo through the training fields in Oxnard, Jaydon Blue may just be turning the corner from camp hopeful to Cowboys contributor. And should he make the final roster, it wouldn’t just be a win for an underdog—it would be a major statement from a young man who’s been waiting for his chance and is finally seizing it, one rep at a time.
